André “Doctor Dré” Brown appears on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast. Doctor Dré has been a vital part of hip-hop culture and a crucial catalyst for its global popularity since its inception. A former DJ for Beastie Boys and co-founder of 1980s rap group Original Concept, Doctor Dré co-hosted (alongside Ed Lover and Fab 5 Freddy) Yo! MTV Raps, the landmark program that introduced a generation of hip-hop fans to their favorite rappers and the culture. Doctor Dré developed Type 2 diabetes in 2007.
Since that time he has suffered a series of health setbacks including an amputated toe, charcot foot, and blindness. Far from sullen, though, the hip-hop pioneer remains optimistic while trying to stay diligent to a healthy lifestyle routine that reduces the severity of some of his ailments.
Divabetic® (divabetic.org) is a national nonprofit diabetes outreach organization committed to changing attitudes in people at risk, affected by and living with diabetes. We strive to encourage prevention, early action, and above all, education. Check out our free monthly podcasts (available on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio) and our free Zoom outreach programs.
Divabetic® was inspired by the late R & B legend, Luther Vandross, and created and founded by his long-time assistant, Max Szadek. Divabetic®, a combination of the word ‘diabetic’ with the letter ‘V’ inserted for Vandross, evokes feelings of power and the positive attitude associated with the great DIVAS Luther loved like Patti LaBelle.
We’re celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for diabetes health-related complications (such as vision loss) on Divabetic’s Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast.
Guests include Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, Nat Adderley Jr., Dr. Khoshnevis, Danny Clay, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE. Throughout this podcast we will be featuring music from Luther Vandross’s album, The Night I Fell In Lovecourtesy of SONY Music.
Divabetic (Divabetic.org) presents a month-long showcase celebrating 10 years of diabetes podcasting. Each of the featured podcasts spotlights our favorite guests, topics, poems, games and/or musical inspiration. Enjoy!
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic steps in the studio with Dr. Maasi J. Smith (DPM), founder and director of the Rittenhouse Foot and Ankle Associates in Philadelphia (PA) and the website, www.mybadfeet.com, to talk foot care, diabetic wound care and to get general advice for healthy feet.
Bad feet are scary; but Dr. Maasi Smith (DMS)has seen it all and is committed to promoting foot health. This award winning surgical podiatrist admits that our feet are often the most neglected part of our body.
Due to the suppression of the immune response and reduced blood flow to the feet in people with diabetes, the body may be unable to heal wounds you suffer to your feet. As sensation has already been reduced, if you aren’t checking your feet regularly, you may not realize your feet are injured until it’s too late. If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation to ensure that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body.
What Can I Do?
There are some simple precautions you can take to keep your feet healthy as a diabetic.
Check your feet daily.
Keep your diabetes well managed.
Wash your feet daily.
Keep your feet moisturized (but no lotion between the toes, as moisture here can create conditions friendly to fungal infection).
Encourage circulation in your feet by wiggling your toes and changing positions regularly.
Meet regularly with your trusted podiatrist.
If you’re living with diabetes, it is crucial that you ensure foot health by working with your podiatrist to reduce the likelihood of infection and quickly treat any infection that arises.
Many foot conditions can worsen without prompt treatment from a qualified podiatrist. So don’t hesitate – if something feels wrong, call your healthcare team.
Divabetic’s free monthly podcasts are dedicated to Music Lovers living with, at risk and/or affected by diabetes. We aim to be the epicenter of the circle of care, a link between patients and their health care providers, a translator of clinical speak and a bridge between denial and acceptance, fear and confidence. All podcasts are available on demand at blogtalkradio and i-Tunes.
Divabetic was inspired by the late music legend, Luther Vandross and created in 2005 by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek, who, as Vandross’ assistant of 14 years, witnessed his boss, mentor, and friend struggle in silence and solitude with the diabetes and its related complications. Since its inception, Divabetic has presented outreach programs in 15 major U.S. cities, reaching hundreds of thousands of women, their families and health care professionals.
Experience more of our GLAM MORE, FEAR LESS philosophy at divabetic.org
Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk? Do you need a little help staying on track with your diabetes self-care?
Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, fun Virtual Scavenger Hunt on Zoom with special guest, Best-Selling Intimacy & Diabetes co-author, Janis Roszler LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND on Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7 – 7:35 PM, EST.
One lucky winner in our random drawing will win Janis Roszler’s best-selling e- book, Intimacy & Diabetes. A second lucky winner in our random drawing will win aDario Blood Glucose Meterstarter kit. This all-in-one pocket-sized device can track blood sugar fluctuations and trends and identify hyper/hypoglycemic episodes right from your smartphone, providing readings within as little as 6 seconds. It’s scientifically proven, HIPPA compliant, and includes Dario Coaches to offer support and motivation to help manage your diabetes.
Thank you to everyone who has taken measures to protect our Divabetic community members and their loved ones by wearing cloth face coverings and social distancing. We are so grateful! Divabetic will continue to provide free Virtual Diabetes Outreach events with qualified health experts to keep you safe, informed and connected. Please join us!
Divabetic Diabetes Late Nite podcast guest, Connie Elderis passionate about helping women put their best foot forward. With a well-earned reputation as one of the most trusted developers of lifestyle products for women, entrepreneur Connie Elder launched her PEAK 10 SKIN skin care line featuring SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream to elevate skin health and hydration to new heights with pure, clean, active ingredients.
Connie Elder (CE): Skin care is not just about the face! Our skin is the largest organ of the body and we need to take care of ‘all of it’, including our feet. Especially this time of year we are wearing more open toed shoes, sandals, flip flops and our feet our more visible. This makes most people more aware of how their feet look. While this is important, it is also important to take care of the health of the skin on your feet. Our feet are really good to us and take us everywhere we go. Therefore, I believe they deserve pampering and a little TLC.
SAVE MY SOLE a spa-inspired foot cream, not only provides nourishment that can help prevent and rescue dry feet, is has a menthol and eucalyptus aroma that provides a cooling and refreshing sensation. I personally find it extends the life of my safe pedicures!
Q: Many people with diabetes are likely to experience cracked heels because damage to nerves in the feet from rollercoaster blood sugars can cause dry skin. How does SAVE MY SOLE rescue cream work to help heal cracked heels?
CE: In my past, I worked with a wound care center where we saw lots of diabetic wounds that would not heal. Many of these were on the feet and caused those who suffered with the wounds ambulatory problems. If we keep the skin on our feet hydrated and moisturized, it is less likely to become dry and crack, causes a wound that is slow to heal.
SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream is 25% pure refined Shea Butter. This provides much needed nourishment to the skin on the feet. Shea Butter combined with Vitamin E and coconut oil will lock in moisture for the feet and encourage the repair process for dry, cracked skin.
Skin is like leather, the more nourished it is the stronger it is. With proper conditioning it is less likely to experience cracking and tearing. You can’t break a conditioned piece of leather, but a dried out piece of leather can tear.
Q: Do you have any advice for preventing dry feet?
CE: The best way to keep the skin on your feet from getting dry is to be kind and treat them with foot cream daily. Once a week, use a pumice stone or a fine sand paper block to gently dust off the excessive dry skin. Once you remove the dry skin apply SAVE MY SOLE foot rescue cream to your feet daily. Within a few days you will notice your feet are less dry and they will feel nice to the touch. Visit your podiatrist to keep your feet well-manicured and your nails trimmed. You’ll enjoy sleeping with your feet again!
*If you have an open wound on your feet consult your doctor first.
Q: There’s been a lot of chaos surrounding different Sunscreen SPF levels and their benefits in the news lately. With the Summer months quickly approaching what advice can you give for shopping for sunscreen?
CE: There’s a lot of discussion around sunscreen, for sure. Sunscreen is very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. I personally believe using an SPF above 30 provides a false sense of security. We tend to think it last longer and it doesn’t. Reapplication of sunscreen is most important to maintain protection through the day.
There are some chemicals used in many sunscreen that should be avoided, especially for everyday use.
I personally use sunscreen with a combination of Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide (natural mineral) and a small percentage of Octinoxate. Safe levels of the organic compound Octinoxate mixed with the natural minerals are known for absorbing UV-A and UV-B rays of the sun, protecting the skin from damage.
Q: What words of wisdom can you offer to help women love the skin they are in?
CE: First, remember aging is the gift of life. If you are 60, don’t expect to look 30…no one does! Be the best you can be for the age you are. Healthy, hydrated skin looks radiant, at any age.
This can be achieved by using products daily that are pure, clean and effective. Be diligent in caring for your skin. Wash your face in the evening and nourish it with products containing quality ingredients. Products with a shorter ingredients list are usually best! If you are over 40, add a serum to your skincare routine. Make sure you are also hydrating from the inside. Drink lots of water! Limit your skin’s exposure to direct sunlight. Wear sunscreen!
Peak 10 Skin offers a complete spa line of products to exfoliate, hydrate and protect skin, and has a well-deserved reputation for its pure, clean, active ingredients.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic discusses Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) on this podcast. Guests include Dr. Andrea Chisholm OBGYN, Peak 10 Skin founder Connie Elder, We Are Diabetes organization founder, Asha Brown, and Laura L. who are both living with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the podcast we will be playing selected songs from P.M. Dawn’s live album courtesy of SONY Music. PODCAST LISTENER SURVEY
